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GSA CONNECTS 2021
Commitment to Care

The Geological Society of America considers the safety and
well-being of all those on site at GSA Connects 2021 in Portland,
Oregon, USA, as our top priority. Our Commitment to Care is a
living document that will continue to evolve as updates become
available from the Oregon Convention Center (OCC), the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC), and local government. We are incor-
porating innovative features that will further enhance the on-site
experience and safety for everyone in attendance.

Name badges will be printed using on-demand print kiosks through-
out the pre-function area at the convention center. Seamlessly scan
your QR code, and your badge will be printed in a touchless system.
Grab a lanyard off the rack and be on your way.

On-Site Medical: We will be hiring local EMTs and providing Oregon Convention Center. Credit: Travel Portland.
a dedicated space for EMTs to meet with attendees who feel ill.
HEALTHSHIELD BY 42CHAT
Hand Sanitizer: Touchless hand sanitizer dispensers will be As part of GSA’s Commitment to Care program, GSA is intro-
placed at key guest and employee entrances, as well as in high- ducing a SMS text–based COVID-19 symptom screening. We will
use areas, such as public lobby spaces, restroom entrances, stairs, be asking attendees to click on the link that is sent via text to their
elevators, escalators, employee work areas, and offices. cell phones every morning starting on Sunday, 10 Oct., and com-
plete the three-question screening recommended by the CDC
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OCC, WE WILL BE before entering the Oregon Convention Center. You can also com-
PROVIDING: plete the screening at the entrance doors of the convention center;
• Responsible food & beverage/seating/barriers for meeting spaces. however, completing it beforehand will be much faster. GSA is
• Appropriate signage/floor decals to reinforce social distancing offering this to continue to provide confidence in safety for meet-
and other safety reminders. ing attendees and to help ensure that every arriving attendee can
• Enhanced cleaning, including using electrostatic disinfectant attest to their current health status. For more information on the
sprayers in each meeting room between morning and afternoon process, go to https://www.42chat.com/bots/healthshield.
technical sessions, in addition to the OCC’s standard overnight
cleaning services. PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITMENT
By attending GSA Connects 2021, you agree to abide by and
The OCC has obtained the Global Biorisk Advisory Council engage in certain health-and-safety precautions while attending
(GBAC) Star Accreditation (https://gbac.issa.com/gbac-star the event. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing a mask
-facility-accreditation/). View the OCC’s Reimaged Opening & (if unvaccinated) at all times within the convention center and
Innovation Strategy for more details (https://bit.ly/2QsqzSZ [PDF]). hotels when not consuming food or beverage, minimizing face
touching, frequently washing hands, sneezing and/or coughing
into your elbow, engaging in appropriate physical distancing,
respecting others’ requests for space, and avoiding risky environ-
ments, such as overcrowded bars or restaurants. You agree to not
attend any GSA event if you feel ill or had recent exposure to a
COVID-19 case.

14 GSA Today | August 2021